Spencer man allegedly drove drunk with kids in car

LEICESTER — A Spencer man accused of driving drunk with his two children in his vehicle will be arraigned in court this week on charges of drunken driving and child endangerment.

Police Officer Frank Bulman was on patrol on River Street about 12:30 a.m. Sunday when he saw a vehicle traveling along the middle of the road directly at him. The officer had to slam on his brakes and pull over to avoid being struck head-on, police said.

Officer Bulman pulled over the vehicle for a marked lanes violation and began to speak with the driver, who was identified as Craig S. Beckwith, 36, of 16 Maple St., Apt. 1, Spencer. Inside the vehicle were Mr. Beckwith's two sons, ages 10 and 7, according to police.

Officer Bulman believed Mr. Beckwith was under the influence of alcohol and Mr. Beckwith admitted to having some alcoholic drinks before driving, police said. Mr. Beckwith failed several field sobriety tests and he was arrested, police said.